Shelley Olds

The U.S. women were among the favorites heading into the road cycling world championships, the depth and talent of their team almost unrivaled as they attempted to defend their home turf.

Then they came up empty in the time trial.

The sting of missing out on the podium this week could be assuaged Saturday, when the seven-rider team starts in the women's road race. No American has claimed gold in an elite road race since Lance Armstrong in 1993, and no woman since Beth Heiden in 1980.

"If the American women don't medal in the time trial or road race at the elite level, I'd be shocked," said Todd Gogulski, the captain of the U.S. team when the world...

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The U.S. women were among the favorites heading into the road cycling world championships, the depth and talent of their team almost unrivaled as they attempted to defend their home turf. Then they came up empty in the time trial. The sting of missing out...